Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said Nigeria requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to meet its gender equality and social inclusion targets for sustainable development.
She said this during the Annual General Meeting and Founder’s Day of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, NILOWV Friday in Abuja.
Represented by her Special Adviser, Mrs Ola Erinfolami, the minister said government is exploring blended finance, public-private-partnerships and impact investments to fund programmes that benefit women, children and families.
“We are facing $1.2 billion financing gap. Closing it requires bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement,” she said.
On the Reserved Seats Bill, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the National Assembly for supporting the move to increase women’s political representation, calling it a strategic investment in democracy and national progress.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, backed the bill, saying: “We urge all lawmakers at the national and state levels to pass this crucial legislation for inclusive governance.”
Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, said mobilising support for the bill is essential for women’s full political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdulrazaq was represented by the Director-General, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Hauwa Halira.
NILOWV Founder, Mrs Esther Udehi, and its President, Mrs Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, advocated grassroots advocacy to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance of the Reserved Seats Bill.
President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Hajiya Aishatu Bura, highlighted the media’s role in amplifying women’s voices and pushing for inclusive political discourse.
“Women’s voices matter not only at the ballot box, but in policy debates, the media and public decision-making,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the event also featured a panel session on “Women’s Voices and the Politics of Inclusion: Leveraging Reserved Seats for Electoral Victory.”
